He turned, in a half-awakened way, without a wish or a purpose--turned, and listlessly looked back.
Two foot-passengers, dressed in mourning garments, were rapidly approaching him.

One of them, as they came nearer, proved to be an aged woman.

The other was a girl.
He drew aside to let them pass.

They looked at him with the lukewarm curiosity of strangers, as they went by.

The girl's eyes and his met.
Only the glance of an instant--and its influence held him for life.
She went swiftly on, as little impressed by the chance meeting as the old woman at her side.